You’ve Got the Gear for Great Things!

by Sharon Jaynes | | 24 comments

Friend to Friend

Pretend with me for a moment. Let’s say you are on an island in the Pacific. Pick an island, any island, but make it a tropical, lush, and beautiful one. You walk out onto the porch and see some equipment laid out just for you. You know what it is, and you know what it’s for. You’re excited! You’ve always wanted to do this, but never had the right gear.

You slip into a black sleek wet suit, zip up the front closure, and most likely marvel at the way it holds everything in. Then you squeeze your feet into squeaky black flippers. I know they’re tight, but go ahead and wiggle your feet in. Next, you strap a heavy oxygen tank on your back. One arm. Now the other. Finally, you slip a facemask over you nose and eyes, and place a mouthpiece between your lips.

But rather than heading out to the ocean to explore the marvelous coral reef, vibrant fish, and swaying flora, you turn around, go back into the house, fill up the bathtub, and settle in.

What a silly picture. If I was there with you, I’d march right into that bathroom and say, “What are you doing in that tub? Get out there in the ocean where you belong!” But then, I remember that I have done the very same silliness time and time again.

So many of us are equipped to live the abundant life in Christ but don’t even know it. We suit up, but settle in. We resign ourselves to living the mediocre faith, void of vibrancy, wonderment, and awe. Don’t head to the bathtub in your scuba equipment. Head out to the ocean of pre-ordained opportunity and experience all that God has for you. You’ve already got the gear. It’s just up to you to jump in.

Moses had everything he needed to accomplish the task God had pre-ordained for him to do. He was saved by the Pharaoh’s daughter, raised in the Pharaoh’s house, trained in the Egyptians’ ways, and taught the Egyptian language. He was “powerful in speech and action” (Acts 7:22). But by the time he had failed in Egypt and bailed to the desert of Midian he had forgotten all that.

When God called Moses to a great adventure at the burning bush, Moses argued and told God all the reasons why He had the wrong man for the job. He was suited up for great things and didn’t even know it.

So here’s my question for you to ponder today: What will you say to God when He calls your name or taps you on the shoulder and says, “Now’s the time?”

Perhaps today is that day.

If you’re ready leave a comment and say, “I’m ready!”

Let’s Pray

Dear Lord, I know that You have equipped me with the spiritual gifts…Your Word says so. I know that You have empowered me with the power of the Holy Spirit…Your Word says so. I know that you have a purpose and a plan for me…Your Word says so. Help me to suit up and head out on the adventurous faith You’ve called me to.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Let’s look up the verses to back up the prayer you just prayed.

Romans 12:4-8

Ephesians 1:13-14; 17-19

Ephesians 2:10

Write out ways that you feel God has been preparing you for what He has prepared for you.

More from the Girlfriends

Today’s devotion was taken from my book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let go, Move forward, Live bold. A mediocre, mundane faith is not what you were made for! In Take Hold of the Faith You Long For, I reveal the most common reasons we get stuck in our Christian faith, living less than what we had hoped. I show you how to break free of all that holds you back, move forward with all that God promises, and live the adventurous faith of bold believing. It’s time to leave behind feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and inadequacy that hold you hostage and take hold of the mountain-moving faith God intends. Click on the book cover to download a sample chapter and view a quick video. And if you’re looking for a new study for your women’s group or individual study, Take Hold includes a Bible Study guide in the back.

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